December hits different when you’re watching sunrise paint ancient monuments amber instead of scraping frost off your windshield.
While much of the Northern Hemisphere experiences shortened days and harsh weather, these five African destinations offer consistent sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and rich cultural experiences. Based on verified meteorological data and current tourism infrastructure reports, each city provides excellent December conditions for travelers seeking warmth and adventure.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What You’ll Learn: Five African cities averaging 300+ sunshine hours in December, with verified current accessibility and safety status
Best Time to Visit: December through February for peak sunshine and cultural festivities
Getting There: All destinations accessible via major international airlines with verified 2025 flight schedules
Perfect For: Sun-seekers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone tired of grey December skies
These destinations combine reliable weather patterns with accessible international airports and established tourism infrastructure, making them practical choices for December travel.
Windhoek: Namibia’s Sunlit Capital
Average December Sunshine Hours: 10+ hours daily
Current Status: Fully operational via Hosea Kutako International Airport
Windhoek enjoys peak summer conditions in December with average temperatures reaching 31°C (88°F) during the day and 17°C (63°F) at night. The city receives approximately 10 hours of bright sunshine daily, creating ideal conditions for exploring Namibia’s capital.
December brings 13.5 hours of daylight with consistently clear skies and minimal rainfall, making it one of the most reliable sunny destinations during the month.
The dry season provides perfect weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Windhoek’s highland location at 1,700 meters elevation ensures comfortable temperatures despite the summer season.
Hosea Kutako International Airport operates flights to destinations including Frankfurt, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Gaborone, with 9 airlines serving the airport. The airport is located 45km from Windhoek city center.
December represents peak summer season with excellent weather for exploring Windhoek’s German colonial architecture and nearby attractions like the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve.
Nairobi: Kenya’s Highland Oasis
Average December Sunshine Hours: 11 hours daily
Current Status: All major tourism services operational via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
December in Nairobi brings average temperatures of 24°C (75°F) during the day and 14°C (57°F) at night, with the city receiving approximately 9 hours of sunshine daily. The highland elevation provides comfortable conditions year-round.
December marks the end of the short rainy season, with improved touring conditions and warm weather with moderate rainfall in the highlands.
Kenya’s capital offers excellent wildlife access during December, with nearby Nairobi National Park providing game viewing opportunities. The month coincides with the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara region.
December’s festive season energizes Nairobi’s renowned nightlife scene. Westlands area hosts popular venues like Havana Bar (Cuban-themed with Latin music), INTI (dome-shaped with 360-degree city views), and The Alchemist on Parklands Road known for live music and trendy crowds. K1 Klub House in Parklands offers multiple music sections and remains packed during December’s peak season, while B-Club provides upscale entertainment with local and international DJs.
omo Kenyatta International Airport serves over 50 countries with more than 40 passenger airlines. The airport handled nearly 7 million passengers in 2015 and projects 25 million by 2025.
December conditions are ideal for both city exploration and safari activities, with comfortable temperatures and generally dry weather making outdoor activities enjoyable. The festive season adds extra energy to the city’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Dakar: West Africa’s Atlantic Gateway
Average December Sunshine Hours: 8-10 hours daily
Current Status: Enhanced international connectivity confirmed operational
December in Dakar features average temperatures of 26°C (79°F) with low humidity (59%) and virtually no rainfall. The city enjoys approximately 8 hours of sunshine daily with comfortable sea temperatures around 25°C.
December marks optimal visiting conditions with low rainfall, pleasant temperatures, and consistent sunshine hours ranging from 9.6 to 9.9 hours daily.
The dry season provides perfect conditions for exploring Dakar’s vibrant culture, historic Gorée Island, and Atlantic coastline. Sea temperatures remain warm for beach activities.
Dakar’s music scene thrives during December, with numerous venues hosting live performances. The city’s blend of French and African influences creates a unique cultural atmosphere.
Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport serves multiple international routes, providing direct access to West Africa’s cultural capital.
Luxor: Egypt’s Archaeological Paradise
Average December Sunshine Hours: 9 hours daily
Current Status: Fully operational with established tourism infrastructure
Luxor in December offers ideal conditions for sightseeing with average temperatures of 24°C (75°F) during the day and 7°C (45°F) at night. The city receives 9 hours of sunshine daily with virtually no rainfall.
December provides 10.6 hours of daylight with 76% clear skies, making it perfect for exploring ancient monuments in comfortable temperatures.
December’s mild temperatures create optimal conditions for visiting the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and other archaeological sites without the intense heat of summer months.
December experiences no rainfall and low humidity at 57%, providing consistently clear conditions for photography and sightseeing.
Luxor International Airport serves international routes, providing direct access to Upper Egypt’s archaeological treasures.
Cape Town: Southern Africa’s Summer Jewel
Average December Sunshine Hours: 11+ hours daily
Current Status: All major tourism infrastructure operational
Cape Town experiences peak summer in December with average temperatures of 25°C (77°F) and over 11 hours of daily sunshine the most of any month. The city receives minimal rainfall with only about 3 rainy days per month.
December provides 14.4 hours of daylight with the highest sunshine duration of the year at 11.1 hours daily, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
Peak summer season offers perfect beach weather, optimal conditions for Table Mountain visits, and vibrant nightlife. The wine regions provide excellent touring conditions.
Cape Town International Airport maintains full international operations with enhanced seasonal services, including Air France’s daily Cape Town-Paris route resuming December 15, 2025.
December is peak tourist season with warm, sunny days perfect for beaches, wine tours, and mountain activities. Book accommodations early due to high demand.
Where Will December’s Golden Light Find You?
These five cities offer verified excellent weather conditions during December, combining reliable sunshine with accessible international airports and established tourism infrastructure.
Weather Summary:
- Windhoek: 31°C highs, 10+ hours sunshine daily
- Nairobi: 24°C highs, 8-9 hours sunshine daily
- Dakar: 26°C highs, 8-10 hours sunshine daily
- Cape Town: 25°C highs, 11+ hours sunshine daily
- Luxor: 24°C highs, 9 hours sunshine daily
Current flight accessibility remains strong across all destinations, with major international airports providing reliable connections. Each city offers unique cultural experiences enhanced by December’s optimal weather conditions.
Whether you’re drawn to Windhoek’s German colonial heritage, Nairobi’s wildlife proximity, Dakar’s musical culture, Cape Town’s dramatic landscapes, or Luxor’s ancient wonders each destination promises reliable sunshine and comfortable temperatures during December.
Ready for more African sunshine inspiration? Explore our comprehensive guide to warm-weather December escapes across the continent for additional destinations including the Seychelles, Mauritius, and Kenya’s tropical coast.
